This was a flaccid England batting display which will fill them with misgivings ahead of World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. Ravi Bopara's batting, at least, suggests that he remains scarred by his recent emotional upheavals and the ability of younger batsmen to succeed on turning pitches will be further doubted after the way they were dismantled by a confident South Africa.

South Africa's pursuit of 119 on northern England's version of a slow turner was a stroll in the park and, even though England's new-ball attack created some ersatz excitement by taking 3 for 29 in reply, it did not last long.

The one they needed was Jacques Kallis and, with a single to his name, he edged Steven Finn just short of Alex Hales at first slip. He never faltered again. Kallis and JP Duminy quietly assembled South Africa's highest fourth-wicket partnership in T20s against England in a stand of 90 at a run a ball and a seven-wicket win meandered into view in textbook fashion with an over to spare.

Kallis' timing of the chase was impeccable, one lazy despatching of Jade Dernbach's slower offcutter pronouncing: "I have logged your variations and have now programmed my response." Duminy, drawing confidence from Kallis' presence, ducked and carved alongside him. They won to barely a murmur.

South Africa rested Hashim Amla and his replacement Faf du Plessis, on debut, made only 4 before he was lbw to Finn. There were two wickets for Dernbach, too. But England were roundly outplayed. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the dispute involving Kevin Pietersen, and the issue has not been short of analysis, this England team is weaker for his absence.

If selecting Bopara in his current state is adamant, for him to bat at No. 3 looks increasingly delusional. He took time off last month as he was beset by relationship problems and since his return his batting has been clouded by self doubt. He does not look in a good place.

England are desperate for him to succeed as his bits-and-pieces bowling balances their side, but his troubled batting run continued as he managed only 6 from 11 balls. South Africa brought Dale Steyn into the attack added a slip and Bopara, with a lack of foot movement, edged to first slip. It was adventurous captaincy by AB de Villiers to bring in a slip outside the Powerplay overs, although as Bopara has been repeatedly edging it in this direction for weeks it was perhaps less daring than it appeared.

South Africa's domination did end at Bopara. Presented by a slow Chester-le-Street turner, not too far removed from the surfaces they may encounter in Sri Lanka, Robin Peterson and Johan Botha did not disappoint. They dared to bowl slowly, turned the ball and were backed up by solid fielding.

England's surfeit of one-day internationals against three different opponents this summer had attracted criticism for overkill, but a three-match T20 series had obvious relevance. South Africa are ranked No. 1; England are defending champions with a good recent record. Even the losers in this NatWest Series will feel happier than Australia who now find themselves ranked beneath Ireland.

Craig Kieswetter and Hales are beginning to have the feel of a settled opening partnership for an England side which once famously changed combinations on a whim, but they are still some way from an understanding between the wickets if Hales' run out in the fourth over is any guide.

His enthusiasm for a leg side single as Kieswetter got a thick inside edge was not shared by his partner and Jacques Kallis lumbered in to pick up and hit the non-striker's stumps direct. Hales left the field distraught in his last T20 international when he was dismissed for 99 against West Indies at Trent Bridge. On this occasion he was cursing.

There had been some spin in the preceding women's match - England beating West Indies by eight wickets - but Botha still spun his introductory delivery enough to surprise Kieswetter, who fell lbw.

Kieswetter's six over wide long on against Lonwabo Tsotsobe had been one of the few invigorating moments for England as they reached midway at 64 for 3 and Botha defused their most explosive batsman, Eoin Morgan, as he tried to sweep and dragged on one that kept a little low.

What followed smacked of naivety. England have great faith in Jos Buttler's potential but it is yet to be rewarded. He has had few opportunities and when they do come along, such as on this occasion when half the overs were still unused, he has flattered to deceive. Like Hales, he is unproven against spin and Peterson, bowling markedly slowly, drew him down the pitch and bowled him with ease. Nine England T20s have now brought 36 runs and that is no sort of preparation for a world cup.

Jonny Bairstow, needing to up the pace, plonked Albie Morkel into Botha's hands at deep midwicket and Samit Patel fell in similar fashion against Peterson as Kallis thundered in for a good, low catch at long-on. Only some spirited late forays by Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, as England took 34 from the last five overs, gave England anything to bowl at. As for Dale Steyn, his four overs conceded only 13.

The limited-overs matches mount up, but once again entertainment was in limited supply at the end of a long season. South Africa rested Hashim Amla and his replacement Faf du Plessis, on debut, made only 4 before he was lbw to Finn. There were two wickets for Dernbach, too, the straightforward approach of Richard Levi silenced at first slip and de Villiers, after two glorious boundaries, edging a little carelessly to the keeper.

Swann's offspin, delayed until the eighth over, at 50 for 3, was chipped around cautiously and the tyro slow left-armer, Danny Briggs, had not been selected. He may be more fortunate at Old Trafford.

Marcio - but according to RandyOZ and his pals the Aussies set no value on T20 so are they mistaken or do the Aussies really value T20 after all ?

mthi4life
on September 10, 2012, 9:17 GMT

In T20 cricket a game can change in a single over by someone scoring a lot of boundaries or by a bowler taking tree quick wickets,So when teams play it, means the weaker team will always stand a chance against a stronger team.Yes the Proteas have a stronger team but that does not mean England have no chance against them.Do not be surprised if one of the associate counties make it to the Super Eights in the World Cup T20,I just hope that country is not Zimbabwe,for the Proteas sake.

JG2704
on September 10, 2012, 9:13 GMT

@Akshita29 on (September 09 2012, 12:06 PM GMT) Listen , no worries. I hate it too. Just because I can see why KP isn't brought back in , it doesn't mean I don't want him back in. As I have said numerous times , I can't say whether ECB are being harsh on him or not because I don't know what the content was in the texts. Anyone who says KP should be banned for good or immediately reinstated without knowing the content of the texts is obviously biased (ie the crime) one way or the other. It's like hearing that someone was arrested by the police and automatically saying he should get life or be let off without knowing whether he's murdered someone or stolen a packet of sweets. Please publish this time - nothing offensive and is in direct response at someone who posted to me

ian_ghose
on September 10, 2012, 7:40 GMT

No KP...No party....simple as that!

Marcio
on September 9, 2012, 23:31 GMT

@Jose Puliampatta, I have no idea what point you are trying to make. The main purpose of these current T20 games is to prepare teams for the T20 WC. Simple. My point is valid. It is smart to prepare teams in the conditions they will play in, against the kinds of bowlers they will face. But you can believe that their main purpose is for the glory of winning a T20 series if you want. Personally, I would call that extreme short-term staregic thinking, given that the WC is just days away.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 14:44 GMT

Marcio is still on "practice". Nice of you to thank Pak players in providing that. He can also consider all the forthcoming matches in Sri Lanka as "practice" matches, to horn up their batsmen's skills in playing good spinners on slow & low pitches. As I said a couple of days ago, with that kind of a long term strategic thinking, there will not be ANY disappointment in SL. Is RanduOz also with you, supporting that line of thinking?

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 14:36 GMT

Tsotsobe on debut was superb. But turned out to be just So-So! So, be a bench warmer for a while!

dabhand
on September 9, 2012, 13:07 GMT

RandyOZ at least we'll have Australia to stop us hitting the bottom.

Marcio
on September 9, 2012, 12:49 GMT

Well, good to see the 2 teams getting in some T20 practice games. I have to say though, having been following Australia vs PAK in the UAE, the conditions are likely to be so different that these current SA/ENG games may actually harm the teams' chances in SL. Australia certainly have been super smart in arranging 6 games in the UAE. They will be well conditioned to facing spin and bowling on slow, flat pitches. Thanks Pakistan! ;-)

yorkshire-86
on September 9, 2012, 12:28 GMT

Why did both teams play with ten men? Bopara's less-than-mediocrity and lack of talent both physically and mentally is well documented, but Tsotsobe looks just as bad. Where are Parnell and M Morkel? Or even another part time spinning allrounder? They could have contibuted more than Tsotsobe's usual 2 overs of fodder.

dabhand
on September 10, 2012, 9:52 GMT

Marcio - but according to RandyOZ and his pals the Aussies set no value on T20 so are they mistaken or do the Aussies really value T20 after all ?

mthi4life
on September 10, 2012, 9:17 GMT

In T20 cricket a game can change in a single over by someone scoring a lot of boundaries or by a bowler taking tree quick wickets,So when teams play it, means the weaker team will always stand a chance against a stronger team.Yes the Proteas have a stronger team but that does not mean England have no chance against them.Do not be surprised if one of the associate counties make it to the Super Eights in the World Cup T20,I just hope that country is not Zimbabwe,for the Proteas sake.

JG2704
on September 10, 2012, 9:13 GMT

@Akshita29 on (September 09 2012, 12:06 PM GMT) Listen , no worries. I hate it too. Just because I can see why KP isn't brought back in , it doesn't mean I don't want him back in. As I have said numerous times , I can't say whether ECB are being harsh on him or not because I don't know what the content was in the texts. Anyone who says KP should be banned for good or immediately reinstated without knowing the content of the texts is obviously biased (ie the crime) one way or the other. It's like hearing that someone was arrested by the police and automatically saying he should get life or be let off without knowing whether he's murdered someone or stolen a packet of sweets. Please publish this time - nothing offensive and is in direct response at someone who posted to me

ian_ghose
on September 10, 2012, 7:40 GMT

No KP...No party....simple as that!

Marcio
on September 9, 2012, 23:31 GMT

@Jose Puliampatta, I have no idea what point you are trying to make. The main purpose of these current T20 games is to prepare teams for the T20 WC. Simple. My point is valid. It is smart to prepare teams in the conditions they will play in, against the kinds of bowlers they will face. But you can believe that their main purpose is for the glory of winning a T20 series if you want. Personally, I would call that extreme short-term staregic thinking, given that the WC is just days away.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 14:44 GMT

Marcio is still on "practice". Nice of you to thank Pak players in providing that. He can also consider all the forthcoming matches in Sri Lanka as "practice" matches, to horn up their batsmen's skills in playing good spinners on slow & low pitches. As I said a couple of days ago, with that kind of a long term strategic thinking, there will not be ANY disappointment in SL. Is RanduOz also with you, supporting that line of thinking?

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 14:36 GMT

Tsotsobe on debut was superb. But turned out to be just So-So! So, be a bench warmer for a while!

dabhand
on September 9, 2012, 13:07 GMT

RandyOZ at least we'll have Australia to stop us hitting the bottom.

Marcio
on September 9, 2012, 12:49 GMT

Well, good to see the 2 teams getting in some T20 practice games. I have to say though, having been following Australia vs PAK in the UAE, the conditions are likely to be so different that these current SA/ENG games may actually harm the teams' chances in SL. Australia certainly have been super smart in arranging 6 games in the UAE. They will be well conditioned to facing spin and bowling on slow, flat pitches. Thanks Pakistan! ;-)

yorkshire-86
on September 9, 2012, 12:28 GMT

Why did both teams play with ten men? Bopara's less-than-mediocrity and lack of talent both physically and mentally is well documented, but Tsotsobe looks just as bad. Where are Parnell and M Morkel? Or even another part time spinning allrounder? They could have contibuted more than Tsotsobe's usual 2 overs of fodder.

Akshita29
on September 9, 2012, 12:06 GMT

@Jg2704 I am sorry for my comments . I just wish england do well in the next 2 games . It hurts me to see the team I have been following for years and watching whenever possible is falling apart . England must win the next game .

Wallaroo
on September 9, 2012, 11:09 GMT

@abmughal South Afica may be favourite to win the WC but they are also favourites to choke. A knock out comp to South Africa is like a noose to a murderer in a western movie.

jonesy2
on September 9, 2012, 10:13 GMT

haha comedy watching england trying to play twenty20 cricket. ive said it before and they keep backing me up, dernbach and bopara are the worst players ive ever seen play international cricket, no joke

RameshSubramaniam
on September 9, 2012, 10:09 GMT

@ravikini: Why talk about Sachin. Just enjoy his game if you want or leave it. How about Kallis. Is he a gem? When SA selectors decide he is not good for T20, he went on protest, Why not talk about that. Ask real SA fan, how many matches SA lost because of Kallis over defensive batting? Is her ever willing to loose a wicket if SA want him score quickly, forget about the situation where team need to score him quickly and keep his wicket (like Sachin in his early days).

RandyOZ
on September 9, 2012, 10:07 GMT

I've seen ice rinks with more friction than the slope England is sliding down.

RameshSubramaniam
on September 9, 2012, 10:03 GMT

@Akshita29: Kallis is a great player but that doesn't mean "other person" is not good as Kallis make no sense. When Kallis makes 50, he is good but when Sachin makes 50 and got out he is no good. That tells what you expects from these batsmen and that tell you the level. Are there a situation where if Kallis got out, SA is going to loose the game? That is called crisis not when you know you have the bowling quality to bowl out the opposition even you were out for 200. These are two greats in different means. Given the chances, Some team like to have Sachin, some team want to have Kallis depends on the team strength. Just to add, Sachin is not a mud in bowling. Only think I do not know is why Asian bowlers never take their bowling seriously when their batting are good (including Mathews, he can be as great as Kallis).If they take, Asia also can produce fantastic all rounders like Kallis, Hooper and Watson...

Faridoon
on September 9, 2012, 8:54 GMT

Why carry on with a woefully out of form Bopara when you have options. Just take a look at some of the IPL innings of Owais Shah. There is also Stokes and I am sure several others that are good enough for the smash-and-tonk job required in T20.

I'm afraid England is going into the T20 WC with too many issues. The question of KP is keeping too many minds occupied. Minds that should be focusing more on getting the balance right even without him. There is a very unsettled look to the batting line-up. They need to get their head back in the game.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 8:51 GMT

Another display of 'DEPTH' of the side by England.7 DOWN for 85 and struggling to reach 120 could have been a lot worse if not for a few hits from Broad and Swann.Thoroughly outplayed by S.A.With the campaign to the defend the W.C. just a few days away England need to sort their priorities and get their side in order if they want to stand a chance in the World T-20.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 8:41 GMT

andy flower + ECB + Kevin P =England cricket squad suffers ! come on guys ! bring in KP make him run on the scoreboard and handle kp's issue seperately or pick up talents from county cricket !!!

JG2704
on September 9, 2012, 8:33 GMT

Much predictable rubbish on here. Re the game , it was a worryingly bad performance. Hales was run out but every England batsman before Broad and Swann (who gave the scorecard something) should be ashamed. Ravi was pathetic with the bat once more and this time was as pathetic with the ball in hand. Why do they play him at number 3 all the time? His SR before the game is 100 which is not good in this format. Buttler has looked scratchy all season and was poor again. Against the rigid set up , I'd like to see them give the likes of Lumb, Wright , Briggs a game. I'd like to see them look at these players regardless of this result. Now I feel they must look at them. Team for next game could be Hales,Lumb,Wright,Morgan,Bairstow(WK),Buttler,Patel,Broad,Swann,Briggs,Finn.

seesaw
on September 9, 2012, 8:33 GMT

Might as well save on the expenses of the World T20 and politely excuse ourselves. We are likely to be eliminated at the first hurdle. The display at Chester-le-street was absolutely dismal and does not engender any real confidence to see experienced players throw their wickets away.

JG2704
on September 9, 2012, 8:33 GMT

@Akshita29 on (September 08 2012, 17:23 PM GMT) Listen , Have I ever said I don't want to see KP playing for England again? Personally I'd love them all to patch things up and have KP back in the side. No doubt - esp in the shorter formats - he is a big loss but after his latest accusations I see a resolution being further away than ever.

The_Utican
on September 9, 2012, 8:31 GMT

England were badly beaten but T20 games are often one-sided and once the top order went cheaply it was game over. Still a chance for respectability in next two games, but Bopara needs resting, he looks a walking wicket. Promote Bairstow to no.3 or bring in Bell.

pom_don
on September 9, 2012, 7:59 GMT

I still can't work out why Prior isn't in the team as on this season's county performance he really has been in tip top form....Ian Bell would be on my list too.

Akshita29
on September 9, 2012, 7:48 GMT

@tommytucker Oh I think its the same batsman who choose to play against the great bangladesh team to get to his 100 th ton and he batted so slowly to get it that India loose the match to the great bangladesh team . However he had been a great servant for the team India and cricket over the years but Kallis is just so special in crisis situations and no matter wheather the ball is swinging or turning . Unfortunately the other person we are referring here is never the one for crisis situation and right now simply holding on to the team on the basis of his past glory and fan following.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 6:57 GMT

broad reckoned they were 40 runs short, listen mate, our batting would have been adjusted if that was the case, believe you me if 160 was the target, you had better remind your spectators to bring there hardhats

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 6:46 GMT

Is England that bad, or SA that good?

WC96QF
on September 9, 2012, 6:17 GMT

Everybody was bashing IPL and INdia and blaming both for all the ills of cricket, esp. Test Cricket. All that looks pretty foolish now, with South Africa at No.1 in Tests. Most of their best players featured in IPL this year and did spectacularly well. Off hand, I can recall Dale Steyn, Kallis, De Villiers, putting in memorable performances in IPL 2012. That does not seem to have hurt their cause in beating England soundly. Their ODI campaign went well, they squared the series. And now thry are tonking the World Cup holders in T20s. All the 'Champions of Test cricket' are also setting up their own T20 leagues anyway. So what was all the fuss abt ?

jmcilhinney
on September 9, 2012, 4:25 GMT

@diehard_alwayz on (September 08 2012, 21:53 PM GMT), did you not notice that Buttler was playing in this game? As for Stokes, England did seem pretty keen on him for a while but they seem to have lost interest a bit lately. They certainly do look like they need an all-rounder or two. Woakes appears to be ahead of Stokes in the pecking order and I'm guessing that they don't want to introduce too many inexperienced players at once. I'm sure that that's one of the reasons that they're keen to keep Bopara around but experience is not much good if it's not producing results.

nthuq
on September 9, 2012, 3:32 GMT

Enjoying the ways David Hopps decided to portray Kallis. "Lumbered" and "Thundered", hehe.

RandyOZ
on September 9, 2012, 2:46 GMT

This would be one of the most embarrassing losses in a while, for any team. After self proclaiming they are the best ODI side ever. England continue to get belted to all parts by the might of the South Africans. The doldrums are a lonley place, and England have made it their own.

AMAZINGFAN
on September 9, 2012, 2:38 GMT

sa is a good side but i don't see them winning t20 wc.

2nd_Slip
on September 9, 2012, 1:01 GMT

JH KALLIS=GREATEST ALLROUNDER OF ALL TIME

Garp
on September 9, 2012, 0:48 GMT

Kudos to Abhinav, you summed it up brilliantly with one of Freddie's line. I just wish those snobs in the ECB would see it. This current squad of players has no heart or desire they give up and accept defeat to easily. Gone are the days of a Paul Collingwood innings where the batsmen gives it his all or a Freddie Flintoff still charging in even though everyone knew he was hurt and in pain but still putting his back into it to hit 90mph. These players now are so pampered and have so much done for them that they have no grit about them and as I as said no fight at all. It also appears the "good old boys club"has been reestablished since a player can go inning after inning and not worry about their slot, really sad here I though a mere 2 years ago we'd taken huge steps forward in cricket and to have it revert right back to the sorry half hearted efforts is just depressing.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 0:46 GMT

South Africa is, undoubtedly, the tops at the moment. We Indians have to tour S A next year. What are we doing, in preparation for that? Wnning over them or getting back to No 1 is NOT the point. Bench marking against the best and striving to reach that standard, is the best way to improve one's own cricket.

dummy4fb
on September 9, 2012, 0:21 GMT

Bopara got by by not using his feet. Not for long, unfortunately.

phoenixsteve
on September 9, 2012, 0:19 GMT

@Abhinav Sachdeva ... Firstly you need to understand that the "fans" are all Indian. You know that 'fan' is short for 'fanatic'... right? England are not playing well at present & they have their share of problems - admitted. Compared to some teams though (India for example) they have a bright future! You're aging has beens have become just that ...."has beens". The one exception seems to be Tendulkar who hangs on despite what might be good for the team. I hope that he's still playing when England visit India next & expect England to win the series! KPgate has detracted from the England performance - which admittedly has been poor & South Africa have been very good. As poor as England have played this summer though, I don't think anybody in the England test lineup takes India seriously at the moment? I'm hoping for some common sense and the re-enstatement of KP but who knows? Ill watch for your comments when India try to cope with England & will be the first to admit it- IF I am wrong?

TheBengalTiger
on September 8, 2012, 22:58 GMT

loll england don't get a bouncy pitch, even in their own country, and fail. embarrassing

Rajesh_india_1990
on September 8, 2012, 22:40 GMT

BOPARA and ROHIT SHARMA'S facecut looks more or less similar and so as their batting...:))

RVC-38
on September 8, 2012, 22:27 GMT

@yorkshirematt Yes we do, and i am looking forward to that as well, and i am sure we will have our own issues with that tour to deal with, we are playing the worlds best after all but that is in the future, and i will leave the predictions for that tour for others to speculate about.

abmughal
on September 8, 2012, 22:13 GMT

i consider SA the most favourite team for worldcup. they are playing extremely good and the most important is that their players are in form ..... they are going to give a tuf time to all nations.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 22:10 GMT

Where are the England fans..Ehh? This team can't even win at home! 1 year back,they were jumping here and there after beating India proclaiming to have the best bench strength. What happened? English team is in a MESS. That's right. The T20 WC will further expose current English T20 team and then the tour to INDIA awaits them. What goes around,comes around. Yes,that's right my English friends. I still remember how much criticism India got after 2 poor series,India were brilliant for 2-3 years before that. Infact,India is still brilliant in T20 and ODI Cricket. Test Cricket away from home is a problem though. England can't win at home. KPs gone too. Wow. How quickly time changes. Signing off with Freddie's line "This game has a funny way of bitting you". England realizing it now!

Please publish.

mahjut
on September 8, 2012, 21:56 GMT

patchmaster .. i am not English, nor in the habbit of defending the English but that's a rather harsh assessment of Patel - he hasn't consistently been picked for england and has never looked completely out of place - who didn't fail today (saying bairstow failed ... again would surely be as apt) i get the frustration with Ravi but he looked good against Oz and as mr hopps puts it "England need him to succeed because of what he offers with his bowling [sik]"

diehard_alwayz
on September 8, 2012, 21:53 GMT

Keep Bopara on the England Contract, assure him he's not being cast off and then ask him to go play in SA and Aus and SL domestic for 3 months each, what you get back is a finished prodcut, The Guy has tremendous potential but repeated failures only hurt him and his team.
In the meantime, employ back KP and let him loose, he's itching to play, loudmouth or not, he's your best player and on his day, will dispatch *ANY* attack to the netherworlds.

Is it not possible?, Is this invisible to management, do you expect Bopara to bowl those 3/4 overs in SL too, cause there is going to be no overcast skies there and he will be done, once and for all, just like Ramps, Hick, Owais Shah.

And where are Buttler and Stokes, The last I remember they were tonking bowlers into the stands. Bopara, right now, Isn't, probably wont be in T20 WC too, his last 10 innings are proof of that, Andy Flower, come on man, Bring in KP, Buttler, Stokes.

Camberwellcarrot1979
on September 8, 2012, 21:52 GMT

@ rickyvoncanterbury...you have a very short memory my friend. After watching the Aus-Eng ODI series this summer, I do agree with you; I don't think next year's Ashes series will be close...

mahjut
on September 8, 2012, 21:49 GMT

crindo - it is always said that SAs cupboard is bare - then amla and AB turn up ... or Steyn or Marchant - don;t sidpair just yet SA always produce someone though it would be nice if they could just produce a genuine spinner .. Irmaan Khan showed the kind of promise the young yorkshire leggie did - and faded as badly...all a bit sad but decent bats and pace bowlers always come through

yorkshirematt
on September 8, 2012, 21:36 GMT

@rickyvoncanterbury I expect a close series between two teams in transition. Anyway don't your boys have to take on this SA side soon?

12thUmpire
on September 8, 2012, 21:16 GMT

Bopara has the potential for prolificity, he can become the next Ramps or Hick. But exposing him to strong attacks is unfair! England should wait for safer oppositions. Maybe he could get coaching from his Essex mate Nass, since a lot of first-class runs await him!

crindo77
on September 8, 2012, 21:06 GMT

One of SA's main objectives on this tour after the Tests has been to test the other players; AB has said on numerous occasions that the final goal is the 2015 WC in Oz. Kallis may not be around then. Unfortunately, barring JP Duminy, who has been around since 2004, and finally looks to have come good, there has not been a lot to talk about. Elgar, du Plessis,McLaren,Tsotsobe haven't really put their hands up. Maybe Amla,Kaliis,Smith, Steyn and Morkel are a tough act to follow, but I'm sure Kirsten wants a good first 15, not just 11. Maybe it is a bit unkind to make a quick judgement, but there seems a big gap between SA's frontline players and some of their team-members.

RVC-38
on September 8, 2012, 21:01 GMT

Well played SA, you are beating this cureent english squad as easily away from home as as i have ever seen. I was willing to give them the benifit of the doubt against Pakistan but they have gone backwards since then, as an Australin fan i have been looking forward to the ashies next year , but now i am not so sure it will be even a close contest, the demise of this English cricket squad in all forms of the game id incredible.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 21:01 GMT

South Africa without Kallis is like Capetown without Table Mountain according to oe local scribe. Possibly this is an understatement.

Patchmaster
on September 8, 2012, 20:37 GMT

WOW - what a surprise, Bopara and Patel both failed.....again.....and again.....there are far too many good T20 players waiting in the wings to keep giving Bopara and Patel this many chances. Patel was originally picked because he could bat as well as bowl, but his batting is terrible, only matched by his fielding. As for Bopara, he's run his race, time for a new face.

Greatest_Game
on September 8, 2012, 19:54 GMT

I guess that Hales, hailed as Eng's savior after his 99, learned today one of the most important lessons in modern cricket. Be very careful when taking on Kallis - you underestimate him at your peril. Hales looks to have a promising career, but throwing your wicket away with careless running between the stumps in the 4th over does not inspire confidence or put runs on the board. The man he replaced, (K - he whose name should not be mentioned - P) was run out 3 times in 36 T20Is - or 1 in 12 matches. Alex is at 1 in 6. Interestingly, K-unmentionable other guy-P was first run out in his 8th T20I after scoring 11 runs - Hales run out for 11 in his 6th, and Hales' T20I batting ave is 37 - the "other guy's" is 37.95! "Other guy" has several times stated his belief that Kallis is the greatest cricketer in the world. Hales & Patel might ruefully agree after today. Bairstow would certainly agree that running into JK should be avoided - he seldom comes ogg 2nd best!

Munkeymomo
on September 8, 2012, 19:53 GMT

Some dreadful batting today, bowling was OK, nothing special. SA dominated, congrats to them. They can still stengthen, that's a scary though, Amla can come in and Morne, he was great in the IPL. Don't think Levi is a particularly good bat but I guess he could smash a quick 50 once in every ten games, bit like opening with Kiesy really. Buttler is not having a great time of it this season, shame, he really is a talented bat, dreadful shot to a decent ball today. I've been vocally against Bopara being in the team for years now, I'd rather see Lumb in. Or, Lumb in for Kies, and maybe Vince in for Ravi.

yorkshirematt
on September 8, 2012, 19:26 GMT

The end of a pretty average season for england can't come soon enough. The only trouble is we'll have to suffer their abject displays all winter as well.

BokkeForever
on September 8, 2012, 19:08 GMT

Amla for Faf. More for Tsots. Only question mark over Ontong. Pretty decent looking side then. Lots of bowling and batting depth.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 19:07 GMT

south africa & their best.....

SurlyCynic
on September 8, 2012, 18:37 GMT

Vibhanu: To say that Steyn will be useless in the T20WC as he was 'hammered in the IPL' is misleading at best. He was one of the best bowlers in the IPL, but all bowlers have a few boundaries hit off them at times in that format. My favourite passage of play from this year's IPL was when Steyn, defending a tiny total, knocked Gayle off his feet and then got him out. Great to watch.

tommytucker
on September 8, 2012, 18:30 GMT

@ ravikini on (September 08 2012, 18:02 PM GMT)

I think i may know who you are talking about. Let me me guess.... Is he a secretly selfish player who craves records? Or maybe a batsman in his twilight years who hasnt scored a centuary in 18 months and keeps missing straight balls at his stumps??....

Is this is England's tour of southafrica or Southafrica's tour of england?which is the home team?absolute thrashing after thrashings.....

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 18:16 GMT

England seem to have misunderstood the lessons of the last T20WC.

The lesson they SEEM to have learned: a bits-n-pieces team can win the WC!

The lesson they SHOULD have learned: a team containing KP can win the WC!

tommytucker
on September 8, 2012, 18:12 GMT

Wow, the anti-climax from Test cricket continues with this yawn-anthon T20 nonsense. I thought this would be more exciting than the ODIs but I was wrong. Still loads of people saying 'where is KP', KP is good but he cant bat all 10 positions and England need to move on - there is life after KP. Bopara and Faf both need to be dropped ASAP. Funnily enought this is the strongest side SA has put together, this team wouldve crunched England 4-0 in the ODIs. Kallis looked like he was having netpractice out there. Swann ineffective out there once again. Amla in, Faf out.

Wake me up when the Saffa boys get to Australia for some real cricket.

ravikini
on September 8, 2012, 18:02 GMT

Hats off to Kallis. The greatest allrounder of all time for me.
Still plays in all formats of the game unlike one super zero from India, who chooses which match to play and when to attend parliament and watch wimbledon.
Keep up the good work Jacques. Love you and respect you man.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 18:00 GMT

This is the sort of perfomance to expect without KP! its total madness! in sport you play your best players, England have turned there back on there No1 player.
It does not matter a toss! if people do not get on in the dressing room,matches are won on the field ,not in the dressing room!
England cricket is tearing itself apart,while the rest of the world laughs!
Can you imagine,India dropping Tendulkar or dhoni,or south africa leave out Smith or Kallis or Amla, just to make a point!
The ECB seem to be reading from the same script that the West Indies board used against Chris Gayle!

BokkeForever
on September 8, 2012, 17:59 GMT

Boy, kallis sure makes SA look a much better side. Mr. Cool. The whole side just looks more relaxed with him in it. No panic, don't worry boys, JK will take it from here.

Tripe4u
on September 8, 2012, 17:51 GMT

Snookered by the high moral ground. Depending on whose side you support, very sad or very hilarious.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 17:49 GMT

Good show by proteas, but it should continue throught the World cup. Now this loss alerts pommies to rise back to top in upcoming tournament. Aussies are also looking like struggle but they are mindgamers, suddenly stood up to the tournament, lets wait and watch.

Last_ride
on September 8, 2012, 17:47 GMT

Yes another absolute thrashing of the poms. Go South Africa. The undisputed best in the world.Hope this trend continues.They have all the tools to be Number 1 for the next well atleast 5 years..

Hira1
on September 8, 2012, 17:45 GMT

Bring bak KP or Flower will face the same fate as that of Strauss.This adamant attitude of ECB and Flower has already cost England a lot!

djdrastic
on September 8, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Even though I rarely watch this hit and giggle cricket , it was incredibly satisfying seeing England play this badly.Bopara and Butler must be incredibly good mates with the selectors , since they seem to get selected to score single digit scores for England.

yorkshire-86
on September 8, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Now people are blaming Bopara's 'personal problems'. Rubbish. OK he got a few runs in those pointless ODI's against Aus, and some in those tests against a woeful West Indies. They were one offs - every bad batsmen has the odd purple series. To see the TRUE Bopara, look at his performances in games that matter - look at the Tests against Australia and Sri Lanka. The REAL Bopara is the one that got those 3 DUCKS in a row and looked like a rabbit in headlights against SL, and again looked out of his depth in the Ashes. He simply is not talented enough, physically and mentally. Look at it South Africa's way - we could have had probably our best batsmen of the last 5 years coming in at 1st drop (KP), instead we had probably our worst (Bopara). Bopara has had far too many lives. Why didnt Adam Lyth get this many chances at the top level after his amazing batting in 2010? Or Billy Godleman after his 2009 season? Yet the awful Bopara gets chance after chance - and is is not young anymore.

landl47
on September 8, 2012, 17:42 GMT

Although it's nice to see youth in the team, a side with one player over the age of 27 is always going to struggle against a side of South Africa's experience and quality. Finn, Broad and Swann all bowled well but 118 isn't going to win many games. The loyalty to the hopelessly out of form Bopara is reaching ludicrous proportions.

Cpt.Meanster
on September 8, 2012, 17:37 GMT

HAHAHAHAHA and this is the team that's gonna 'defend' their title ?? Give me a break. They can't play spin in their own conditions against average SA spinners, HOW can they even contemplate to play against top Asian spinners in the sub continent on surfaces that will be even slower and lower !! I can only wonder. Following the world T20, England will embark to India, where things will be more of the same. Shambolic performance by England. They just don't know how to play in conditions that are different to theirs... sad.

@jg2704 wherever you are , I am not the only one writing comments about Kp . May be I am too much of a Kp fan thats why I can't stop writing comments about Kp. I just want to see Kp bat . Thats it . And there are so many fans who like me want to see Kp back. If you don't like my comments ignore them or you could argue with your viewpoint towards the Kp issue.

jackiethepen
on September 8, 2012, 17:18 GMT

Ravi's recent scores for his last 12 matches: 6,0,6,0,16,2,3,1,0,1,22,0. The last two were against South Africa in the first Test match. Ravi withdrew at the 11th hour citing personal problems before the next match at Headingley. He withdrew for a rest from cricket but his performances and his demeanour since suggest a serious problem. His coach seems to be in denial. But his batting is creating a hole in a key position. England cannot wait for him to improve. It is unfair on the rest of the side.

aarfeen
on September 8, 2012, 17:15 GMT

englan why u r killing cricket already very few teams are there in cricket... KEVIN WHO ??.. for those who was sitting with the slogans....want to ans it. .... the father of english cricket who gave W.C to england. i hope now u know who is k.p next time when u come .... hold up correct signs.... KEVIN WE NEED YOU come to mind.

priceless1
on September 8, 2012, 17:13 GMT

England is just an ordinary Team without KP

ajayrcs
on September 8, 2012, 17:08 GMT

KEVIN WHO????????????????????

Akshita29
on September 8, 2012, 16:58 GMT

@terry child Bell is a good option at home but he can't handle spin that well . He has a utterly poor record in subcontinent and even in the last odi series he did not look good against the turning ball . Thats the only reason selector have not picked him. If the world t20 was held anywhere outside subcontinent selectors would have picked him ...

Vibhanu
on September 8, 2012, 16:57 GMT

Nothing does matter.Any of these teams cannot perform in subcontinent.Even steyn
was hammered during the IPL.So both teams will not be contenders for world cup.

SurlyCynic
on September 8, 2012, 16:57 GMT

Aj Poolshark: Botha has been cleared by ICC, his action is a lot like Ajmal's. So if Ajmal is ok then isn't Botha ok?

spanishwestindian
on September 8, 2012, 16:55 GMT

@Surly Cynic. Bopara a tailender, are u joking? Many7 tailenders slog and make important runs. Bopara not even that!!

jmcilhinney
on September 8, 2012, 16:55 GMT

Very disappointing batting effort from England. Maybe things could have been different if they didn't start off with the needless run out of Hales but, while the bowling was quite good, most of the batsmen didn't do themselves any favours. Even Kieswetter looked rather scratchy, with two boundaries through the slips. The bowling started well but they just couldn't keep the pressure on with so few runs to defend. Wickets like that of de Villiers are the sort you can force if the batsmen need to score quickly but they just didn't have to take any risks. I feel a little bad singling out Bopara because noone else really batted well either but he's been failing all too often and he didn't make up for it with the ball here either. I don't see how he deserves to keep his place for the next game but then, if he's in the T20 WC squad then they'll probably want to try to play him back into form. I think England can still win games without KP but a player of his quality would be a loss to anyone.

Garp
on September 8, 2012, 16:55 GMT

Another typical England performance! The crime of the entire situation is that they actually have the nerve to charge people to come and see such incompetence. Congrats to SA even though it wasn't anything more than some batting practice for them. Did the ECB and selectors think Broad after having a horrible Test series with no resemblance of form was going to come off another 2-3 Weeks off and impose any sort of trouble to these batsmen? More like wishful thinking, but then again with such a sub par total to try and defend what else was to be expected. Really have had it with the entire English cricket organization. KP do yourself a favor and stay away from this mess, you'll make more money playing 3 months of IPL anyway.

samincolumbia
on September 8, 2012, 16:53 GMT

This self-proclaimed #1 team cannot win anything even in their OWN backyard!!

phoenixsteve
on September 8, 2012, 16:51 GMT

Another pathetic showing from England who after the first 6 overs didn't look like they even believed they could win. They need an injection of batting talent. Someone who can take the fight to the worlds best, someone not afraid to bully the bowlers, someone who's Internationally recognised and feared by opposing bowlers. Who could that be? But maybe this flat low energy performance is exactly what Hugh Morris and the other dinosaurs want? England seem to be striving to grab mediocrity from the jaws of success. Oh well it can't get much worse I guess? COME ON ENGLAND!!!

Paceman49
on September 8, 2012, 16:47 GMT

English press will always look to blame the weakest link...this been Bopara.No English batsman looked like a good batsman.Witness the English bowlers getting out the new boys who play cautiously and when the experienced batsmen arrive they make the bowling look silly.Swan gets no wickets and the SA spinners do.

RednWhiteArmy
on September 8, 2012, 16:47 GMT

Fair play to you SA, but australias battle for 9th position with Ireland puts such trivialities into perspective

Nutcutlet
on September 8, 2012, 16:45 GMT

Match over. Instantly forgettable. T20 yawn. Give me a slow intense day of Test cricket any day. Two more money-spinners of zero consequence to come before this soggy season can be put to bed. Wake me up when England turn up in India for some proper cricket.

Akshita29
on September 8, 2012, 16:44 GMT

One small positive for england . Broad's pace is bit up from the test series where he was really slow. Nice innings from kallis and he was good in the field too. Hope both the teams get their combination right and compete well in the world t20.

meenuraghu
on September 8, 2012, 16:36 GMT

Saw some spectators with signs 'KEVIN WHO' . Next time hold up correct signs....
KEVIN WE NEED YOU come to mind.
When is ECB going to sort out issues with KP? He needs to play.

Risingstarabd
on September 8, 2012, 16:22 GMT

wow well done proteas :) :) :)

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 15:41 GMT

the press.....here we go its about Ravi and the entire team failed.

Talhacroft
on September 8, 2012, 15:30 GMT

SA batting, 4 overs 3 down...this will happen when there is no Amla.

115971
on September 8, 2012, 15:14 GMT

ASSALAM WA ALAYKUM to all muslims
Amla should not play t20 as this will hamper technique

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 15:08 GMT

The selectors would do well to remember I R Bell's innings in the first aborted ODI when the game was effectively reduced to a 20-20. He didn't even have to 'slog'.

SurlyCynic
on September 8, 2012, 15:00 GMT

What is Bopara doing in the team. Really strange decision to have a tail-ender at #3 in the batting order.

netto
on September 8, 2012, 14:34 GMT

The only way to see Amla Out is "Amla left out". Broad will be happy....

arunmp3
on September 8, 2012, 14:33 GMT

england without flintoff and pieterson are a very average side ....................

these two gladiators made english a force to reckon with

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 14:30 GMT

KP Absent storming here.. Miss you KP..

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 14:27 GMT

I'm watching the T20 and the SA's have Botha bowling...My question is this, why is he allowed to bowl?....He's blatantly throwing ever delivery, indeed why he tries and turns one, like the one's he bowled Kieswetter & Morgan with his action is absolutley diabolocal!....The ICC need to seriously crack down on this....Cricinfo please publish

Akshita29
on September 8, 2012, 14:26 GMT

Oh poor Bopara. I can't believe English team still persisting with him . They must have some serious faith in the guy . Bt everything has a limit . And bopara is pushing the limit with his failures . Anyways England players can't play spin. God save them in SL.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 13:47 GMT

amla out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No featured comments at the moment.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 13:47 GMT

amla out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akshita29
on September 8, 2012, 14:26 GMT

Oh poor Bopara. I can't believe English team still persisting with him . They must have some serious faith in the guy . Bt everything has a limit . And bopara is pushing the limit with his failures . Anyways England players can't play spin. God save them in SL.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 14:27 GMT

I'm watching the T20 and the SA's have Botha bowling...My question is this, why is he allowed to bowl?....He's blatantly throwing ever delivery, indeed why he tries and turns one, like the one's he bowled Kieswetter & Morgan with his action is absolutley diabolocal!....The ICC need to seriously crack down on this....Cricinfo please publish

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 14:30 GMT

KP Absent storming here.. Miss you KP..

arunmp3
on September 8, 2012, 14:33 GMT

england without flintoff and pieterson are a very average side ....................

these two gladiators made english a force to reckon with

netto
on September 8, 2012, 14:34 GMT

The only way to see Amla Out is "Amla left out". Broad will be happy....

SurlyCynic
on September 8, 2012, 15:00 GMT

What is Bopara doing in the team. Really strange decision to have a tail-ender at #3 in the batting order.

dummy4fb
on September 8, 2012, 15:08 GMT

The selectors would do well to remember I R Bell's innings in the first aborted ODI when the game was effectively reduced to a 20-20. He didn't even have to 'slog'.

115971
on September 8, 2012, 15:14 GMT

ASSALAM WA ALAYKUM to all muslims
Amla should not play t20 as this will hamper technique